Bihar Elections Impact Telangana Farmers: Paddy Procurement Stalls Due to Labor Shortage!

The ongoing Bihar elections, which conclude today (November 11), have caused unexpected trouble for farmers in Telangana. Paddy procurement across several districts has come to a standstill as most of the laborers (hamalis) have left for Bihar to cast their votes.

Out of around 20,000 workers employed at rice mills in Telangana, nearly 18,000 are from Bihar. Reports suggest that political parties offered ₹5,000 per worker to facilitate their travel. As a result, loading and unloading activities at mills have completely stopped, leaving farmers unable to sell their harvested paddy.

Procurement, already delayed due to rains, has now halted entirely because of the elections. Officials say the process will resume only after the laborers return following the completion of polling today.